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The amendment plan for the Central Reclamation Phase III will be gazetted for public inspection in July, subject to some refinement and the Town Planning Board (the Board)'s formal endorsement.

Speaking at a press conference today (Thursday) to announce the Board's vision and goals for Victoria Harbour, the Vice-chairman of the Board, Mr Bosco C.K. Fung, said the Board agreed in-principle on June 4 a revised planning scheme, having taken into account the alternative schemes put forward by some of the objectors.

The revised land-use proposal will, on the one hand, accommodate the necessary key transport infrastructure and, on the other, maintain a car-free environment with a high-quality landscaped waterfront for the enjoyment of the public.

Compared with the last published Outline Zoning Plan (OZP), the scale of reclamation will be significantly reduced by about 40 per cent from about 38 hectares to 22 hectares. The area to be occupied by roads is also reduced by about 60 per cent.

To achieve an attractive environment, conventional high-rise office-type development will be replaced by a comprehensively designed commercial 'groundscraper' with a landscaped deck providing free pedestrian access from Statute Square to the future recreational/tourism- related facilities along the waterfront. The major cultural and Central Government facilities will be retained to enhance the civic function of the Central District.

As for the South East Kowloon Development (SEKD), the hearing of all objections to the two Kai Tak OZPs was completed yesterday. An Outline Concept Plan with a substantially reduced reclamation limit was also presented to the objectors.

Taking account of the comments received, a further study will be carried out by the Administration to ascertain the feasibility of the alternative detailed land-use proposals for SEKD.

This further feasibility study is expected to take about 12 months to complete. The two Kai Tak OZPs will be amended on completion of the study and they will be published for public comments again.

End/Thursday, June 10, 1999

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